The local authority is coming under pressure to honour a twelve-year old contract with a North Clare farmer involving a land transaction.
In 2013, Clare County Council acquired land in Sandfield, Lisdoonvarna , to finish a cycle and walking lane for a sum understood to be in the region of €30,000.
The landowner was due to receive a stone wall, internal fencing and maintenance of water levels – according to the local authority however, these works will be dependent on the approval of impending planning applications
Lahinch Fine Gael Councillor Bill Slattery says while the council has provided reassurance, it’s taking too long.
You can listen to the full interview here:
Notice of Motion from Cllr. Bill Slattery at the West Clare Municipal District
“To whom it concerns. I am requesting Clare County Council to honour the agreement given by signed contract on October 2013, to provide a stone wall, internal fencing and maintenance of water levels (ie) flooding that occurs on lands adjacent to the 478 route at Sandfield, Liscannor, Co Clare.”
Reply from Tony Neville, Senior Executive Engineer, West Clare MD (Ennistymon LEA)
“Clare County Council previously applied to An Bord Pleanala for Substitute Consent for the project at Ballyellery, Liscannor. This was granted but included consent only for the roadworks already undertaken.
Any agreement in place with the landowner will be honoured by Clare County Council but is subject to the Substitute Consent granted and approval of impending Planning Applications.
A further Part 8 planning application, including associated environmental assessments is required to complete any outstanding works. This process is ongoing.
A subsequent application for funding, either via Active Travel or other sources will be necessary.
Ideally, this section of the R478 could be considered as part of a future footpath and cycleway link between Lahinch, Liscannor and Doolin.”
